Senator Representing Osun East, Francis Adenigba Fadahunsi has launched a sweeping attack on Governor Ademola Adeleke’s administration, accusing it of incompetence, poor management of Osun State’s resources, and failure to address insecurity ahead of the August 15 governorship election.
Speaking in Abuja, the Osun East lawmaker said the state was blessed with abundant mineral resources but had failed to benefit from them because of weak leadership and unchecked illegal mining.
“Apart from oil, Osun is still one of the richest states in terms of mineral resources. But excessive illegal mining is being encouraged by the leadership’s incapability to harness the revenue base and develop it.”
He lamented what he described as the absence of critical infrastructure and inadequate federal presence in the state, noting that Osun remains the only state in the South-West without a functional airport.
“Today, it’s only Osun that has no airport out of the six South-West states. You see the wastage of money. We have the population, we have the mineral resources, and we are farmers, yet the state is not developing as it should.”
The senator also expressed concern about rising insecurity, alleging that criminal activities, cultism and kidnappings have become more prevalent in parts of the state.
“The situation in my state is not too settled because the dancing government couldn’t dance well.”
According to him, local governments and community policing structures should play a more active role in maintaining security.
“Without community policing, state policing cannot work well. If you get to Ile-Ife today, local security operatives know who comes into their communities. That is community policing.”
Fadahunsi linked youth unemployment to the spread of cult groups and violent crime.
“Cultism is now the order of the day because of lack of jobs. You see the Aye and Eiye groups everywhere.”
He alleged that some criminal elements enjoy political protection and are used during elections.
“As soon as they commit crimes, they run to Government House. These are the people being referred to as political children.”
The senator further accused the administration of failing to execute meaningful projects across several communities, claiming that his constituency interventions have delivered more impact than the state government.
“Go to my local government. There is no single state government project there. Even my projects as a senator are better than those of the government.”
He cited roads, transformers, solar streetlights and bridges as some of the projects he has facilitated across Osun East Senatorial District.
Fadahunsi also questioned the quality of some state projects, particularly infrastructure being executed through direct labour.
“The flyover there is being done through direct labour. We are working on defective construction. It can collapse anytime.”
He urged Governor Adeleke to focus on governance rather than politics.
“He should focus on completing his four years and showing the people what he has done.”
Projecting confidence ahead of the governorship election, the senator said the APC would offer better leadership if returned to power.
“The foundation has been laid. The APC government that is coming will be able to do a lot of work.”
On the recently advanced state police initiative, Fadahunsi dismissed fears that governors would abuse the system, insisting that adequate oversight mechanisms would be built into the framework.
“Nobody will convert untrained people into state police and use them to oppress citizens. There will be oversight and accountability.”
He added that security responsibilities should be shared across all levels of government, arguing that states and local governments must contribute more to maintaining law and order.
“Everybody must bear responsibility for security. It cannot be left to the federal government alone.”
The senator maintained that Osun voters would ultimately determine the fate of the current administration at the polls.
“On August 15, the people will decide whether this government is working for them or working for a few individuals.”